Meth lab seized in Kincheloe last week

Monday

Oct 1, 2012 at 12:02 PMOct 1, 2012 at 12:03 PM

A methamphetamine lab inside a Red Cedar Street house was raided by law enforcement here on Thursday afternoon resulting in three arrests, according to a Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE) press release.

KINCHELOE — A methamphetamine lab inside a Red Cedar Street house was raided by law enforcement here on Thursday afternoon resulting in three arrests, according to a Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE) press release.SANE, acting on a tip regarding the location of the clandestine lab and the suspects involved, secured a search warrant before activating the methamphetamine response team. Detectives seized lab equipment, chemical, waste and finished product during the raid and also seized drug paraphernalia and a firearm.SANE was assisted by the Kinross Township Police Department, Kinross Fire Department, Kinross EMS, Chippewa County Sheriff Deputies and Michigan State Police. The Department of Human Services also became involved removing a small child from the home."It really disturbs me that kids are involved," said Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Peppler, "as well as having a lab in a residential area."Peppler explained that a lab inside a home is a danger not only to those who live there, but the neighbors and first responders, posing an added risk to society when compared to most other violations of the controlled substance act. While the production of meth does occur here in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Peppler said there does not currently appear to be widespread use throughout the region."It pops its head up every once in awhile," he said, "but right now it's nothing like it is downstate."SANE identified the arrested individuals as Brian A. Smallman, 28, Angela M. Smallman, 23, and Joshua L. Sheber, 24. All three Kincheloe residents were booked into the Chippewa County Jail on various charges including operating a methamphetamine lab, operating a lab with a child, operating a lab with hazardous waste, felony firearms violation and for being a habitual offender.